Gmail just got simpler: Google rolling out summary cards highlighting key points

Google has come up with a new feature that will help you save time and simply reading mails. In a recent event, Gmail received a revamped look that adds summary cards on the top of the email, highlighting the key details. This innovative feature brings a new layer of interactivity to emails, allowing users to engage with content and perform actions directly from their inbox without the need to open individual emails. The new feature is designed to improve effieciency.
The aim of this feature is to summarise key information and present users with interactive buttons that enable them to perform tasks like tracking orders, confirming appointments, RSVPing to events, or even checking in for flights. By removing the need to open emails and sift through long threads, these summary cards save users time and improve the overall experience.
This feature comes just before the launch of Apple Intelligence, which is speculated to bring major advances in its Mail app. The Gmail summary card feature is set to compete with the Apple’s Mail app. Starting on October 2, Gmail will begin rolling out its new summary card feature, initially launching purchase summary cards on both iOS and Android. Some users had already noticed these ahead of the official announcement. Throughout the upcoming month, Gmail will add more summary cards, along with a “Happening soon” section for purchase-related emails. In the future, all four types of summary cards — purchases, events, bills, and travel — will appear in individual emails, the “Happening soon” section, and search results.
Let’s look at the updates in detail.
Google explains that you should be presented with all sorts of actions, like “Get directions” or “Invite others” or “Track package” within these updated summary cards. And since these are for upcoming events or plans that could change, packaging that have status updates, etc., the cards are able to update frequently.

Before and after the introduction of Gmail’s Summary cards

Google outlines four types of summary cards: Purchases, Events, Bills, and Travel. For now, only Purchase summary cards will appear in the new format, with the other three set for release in the coming months.
Google has introduced a new “Happening soon” section to your inbox, though it will roll out at a later stage. The idea is to display timely updates at the top of your inbox for upcoming events or tasks. This section will feature summary cards, ideally showing only when they’re relevant.
For instance, a purchase summary card might appear just as your package is about to arrive. If multiple “soon” cards are needed, they will stack at the top of the inbox, with an option to expand and view them all.